Blog

One of the most painful experiences for me has been filming video footage for the promotion of my speaking and performing. Capture footage of me on stage? No problem. But stick a camera in my face and ask me what I want to say, and I freeze up so painfully you may not believe it. I don’t know if you can relate. I have devoted to making a new promotional video annually. Bring the Pain!!! And I have worked with some wonderful companies and individuals, whom I still recommend for certain aspects and shoots, since they have helped meRead More

This past week acting as Emcee for Paparazzi (one of my favorite clients ever, 2,000 screaming women is always fun, although getting to the bathroom in less than an hour due to selfies can become frustrating in a good way…) in Las Vegas I was given instructions as to what was needed: Day 1 – 10 minutes to open the day, introduce the speakers, intro the Founders, and then do a quick 5 minute wrap up. Day 2 – Same as before. Day 3 – 10 minutes to open the day, introduce Fall Line Fashion Show, deliver my KeynoteRead More

If you’ve spent any time on stage you know the most important thing, other than preparation, is to BRING IT once you’re out there. Even after long travel days, sleepless hotel nights, all that’s happened to you no longer matters the second you are introduced. Here is a video where I share my thoughts before going on stage as Emcee for Paparazzi, over 2,000 screaming women at this event, glitter & jewelry everywhere, with as much energy as I bring, they bring it, too. How do you? ~ jason Jason Hewlett, CSP (Certified Speaking Professional), CPAERead More

Last week, my fellow speakers and I pulled off a surprise Village People remake of YMCA/ CPAE for the CPAE Hall of Fame banquet at the NSA National Speakers Association Influence Conference. My friend, Eric Chester, contacted me back in October with the idea, as he would host the banquet. We kept it a secret for 8 months. Invited only other CPAE Hall of Fame Speakers to participate, and had one rehearsal the day of the event. It took me about a month to get the tracks and record background vocals, and then another few weeks to figure outRead More

In response to my last article about the speaker who showed up unprepared and was disinterested in being a professional, I received a response from one of my favorite speakers on the planet – and he also happens to be one of my dearest friends. Dr. Paul Jenkins wrote in response: “Here’s the main thing I’ve learned as a speaker – It’s not about you!” I concur. Think about it for yourself, in speaking, in business, in marriage, in every aspect of life you can consider, this is sound advice from Dr. Paul. ~ jason JasonRead More

This past week I helped with an event where Speakers were presenting to youth. Most Speakers showed up like you should: Prepared, Early, and Excited. However, not all were like that. In particular one Speaker showed up 4 minutes prior to being introduced. I didn’t have a phone number for this person so we weren’t sure they were coming. Caused a bit of a panic. Then I was asked, “Who’s going to run my Power Point?” I said, “We didn’t know you needed Power Point. Where’s your laptop?” “I don’t have a laptop!” the Speaker snapped. I replied, “WeRead More

Tonight we are enjoying our first full night’s rest in a hotel on this, our 3-week RV adventure across the US, in Orlando. We will be here a week and then continue the journey back to Utah for another 3 weeks. It has been a fascinating and powerful learning experience trip (that’s positive speak for “it’s been a disaster” – but since I claim to be a motivational guy I’m not allowed to say reality out loud too often). This trip has actually turned out to be the toughest we’ve ever done. In terms of the saying, “Everything hasRead More

At the gas station today the customer before me asked the employee at the register, “How’s your day going?” “Livin’ the Dream, man, just livin’ the dream.” I found that humorous and equally encouraging. I mean, this guy has what some may consider a not really living the dream kind of job, but maybe it is for him? Either way it struck me as pretty neat. What does Living The Dream look like to you? Doesn’t need to be anything crazy, like winning the lottery or making millions. Maybe it’s just having the right job, the right boss, theRead More

What is the pie in the sky for you? What do you want to be known for? What do you want to do with your life & career? In 2000 I decided I would become a world-famous Entertainer. By 2004 I had an offer to make that dream happen, but with a price I wasn’t willing to pay. In that moment I had to reinvent myself and quickly became one of the most sought after Corporate Entertainers and Emcee’s in the world. In 2012 I was pretty tired of that show and it hurt me to perform. My timeRead More

If you’ve been in speaking or performing for any length of time, the question, “Why can’t I get my fee?” may have come up a time or two (million). Here’s the issue: We see others getting the fees we want. We figure we should get that much because we figure we are better. We raise our fees too quickly. And then we wonder why we can’t get the higher fee. It comes down to the market determining your value. If you are finding that you can’t get your fee upon raising it after years and years, or even a fewRead More